The Spirit calls us to be co-dreamers…to be co-creators.
by: Sister Elaine Davia, CBS
It is amazing what a garden teaches one about community life as a Sister of Bon Secours:
- It takes a lot of preparation and tending to keep it healthy and fruitful;
- And the need for creativity, to tend and care in organic ways that don’t pollute or contaminate;
- It’s the variety of colors, shapes and sizes that make it so beautiful and successful;
- And the plants need to be rotated to continue to produce healthy fruit;
- Some of the most beautiful flowers have really thorny spines (ouch);
- A healthy garden attracts LOTS of life and visitors;
- Some of the visitors have a real sting…but essential for pollination and growth of fruit;
- Some visitors are quiet and inconspicuous, but necessary for healthy soil (e.g. the worms);
- Some of the regulars appear to do nothing but add beauty;
- Some just wait till the right moment then ruin the veggie (e.g. stink bugs and eggplant fleas);
- There are rare, special visitors (e.g. a praying mantis and a hummingbird);
- And of course there are the weeds, the ordinary of every day, pulling and pulling; they come right back…pulling again and again;
- And there’s the patience needed, the waiting…and waiting and waiting. And then the surprises (the 10-foot high sunflowers, the first sight of a squash, tomato, an ear of corn or the early brussel sprouts) and the luscious taste and sharing of anything right off the vine!
Veggies from Sr. Elaine's garden, including an 18" zuccini!
~Sr. Elaine currently serves as a Sister of Bon Secours in the capacity of Formation Director, as well as serving on several hospital and ministry boards. She also works as a nurse practitioner at several clinics in Baltimore, using her hands to help heal the poor and afflicted. In her “spare time” she is locally famous for her garden, often carrying fresh veggies with her to share with those she meets along her daily journey. She also uses the gifts of her hands to play the french horn with the Columbia Concert Band.
God has blessed Sister Elaine with the wonderful gift of her caring heart, loving soul, and healing hands. Has God blessed you with special gifts? How do you use them to carry out His purpose for your life? Have you considered religious life? If so, contact Sister Pat right away to learn about different ways to put your gifts and talents to good use!
Tags: catholic community, catholic ministries, catholic nuns, catholic sisters, Community Life, gardening, God's gifts, healing hands, nurse practitioner, Religious Life, sisters of bon secours
